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Members of Carrabassett Valley Fire & Rescue and community members gather Dec. 6 to celebrate the retirement of Fire Chief Courtney Knapp, who is stepping down after 49 years of service, including more than three decades as chief. (Courtesy photo)

CARRABASSETT VALLEY — Carrabassett Valley Fire & Rescue marked the retirement of longtime Fire Chief Courtney Knapp on Dec. 6, honoring nearly five decades of service to the community.

Knapp joined the Carrabassett Valley Fire Department in 1977 as a firefighter. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1985, named deputy fire chief in 1989, and appointed fire chief in 1992, a position he held for more than 30 years.

During his tenure, Knapp oversaw significant upgrades to the town’s fire and emergency services. Those included the construction of the current fire station, the acquisition of multiple firetrucks, including a ladder truck, and the development of local fire safety ordinances that remain in effect. He also introduced a per diem staffing program aimed at improving emergency response times.

Over the course of his 49-year career, Knapp responded to hundreds of emergencies and was widely recognized for his leadership and commitment to public safety.

More than 100 people attended the retirement celebration, filling the venue to standing-room-only capacity. Knapp’s final day of service with Carrabassett Valley Fire & Rescue is Dec. 31.

Rebecca Richard is a reporter for the Franklin Journal. She graduated from the University of Maine after studying literature and writing. She is a small business owner, wife of 32 years and mom of eight...

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